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Let’s not beat around the bowl here. You and I both know what a Squatty Potty is: the affordable toilet stool that gained prominence on Shark Tank and supposedly helps ease bowel movements by putting your body into a natural squat position. Sure, it sounds like a kid’s training tool — but like Crossfit, you’ve undoubtedly heard from its diehard acolytes, unafraid to tout its poop-pacifying power.
I should know, having owned (and loved) the original Squatty Potty for a year. But now the plastic stool has more than personal testimonials to back it up. A new study on the Squatty Potty published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology confirms the benefits of the device, reports Time.
“After sorting through descriptions of more than 1,000 bowel movements, the researchers found that 90% of people who used a Squatty Potty strained less, and 71% had faster bowel movements,” writes Time. “Fewer users also reported feeling like they still had to go after using the bathroom.”
After a year in my personal latrine, I could have told you all of this, but it’s nice to see my experience corroborated — especially in this instance. When it comes to defecation (in the study, the stool is classified as a “Defecation Posture Modification Device” or DPMD), people would rather not talk about it. When I have friends over to my apartment, they never fail to mention the Squatty Potty sitting underneath the toilet, but never has anyone reported on its efficacy after using the facilities.
Folks, it’s time to cut the poop taboo and try the stool.
BUY FROM SQUATTY POTTY: $25 BUY FROM AMAZON: $25
You can buy direct from the small family business above (much preferred) or from Amazon. And if the white plastic doesn’t mesh with your washroom aesthetic, Squatty Potty has a plethora of options from bamboo to see-through to portable.
Of course, this is reportedly the first study ever, so Time notes that “more research is required to see how much of an impact they have on chronic conditions, and [co-author Dr. Peter Stanich] stresses that people with gastrointestinal issues should also consult a doctor to rule out serious medical problems.”
For those who simply find themselves presiding on the porcelain throne a little too long every night, it couldn’t hurt to give it a shot.
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Images via Amazon and Squatty Potty
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